Science Quickly New dino, vaccine shake-ups, dirty air risks
Feb 23, 2026
Lee Billings, science writer and senior space and physics editor, offers informed commentary on spaceflight milestones. He discusses Artemis II wet dress rehearsal and SLS rocket fixes. Conversation also covers an inhaled broad respiratory vaccine, the FDA’s surprise review of Moderna’s mRNA flu shot, air pollution linked to Alzheimer’s, and a newly discovered spinosaurid that upends habitat ideas.
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FDA Reverses Course On Moderna Flu Shot
- The FDA reversed course and agreed to review Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initially rejecting it.
- Moderna said reviewers found the phase 3 trial design acceptable until Vinay Prasad overruled them, prompting company CEO Stefan Bancel to call the agency unpredictable.
Inhaled Vaccine Trains Rapid Lung Immunity
- Researchers developed an inhaled vaccine that stimulates both innate and adaptive lung immunity to protect against multiple respiratory pathogens.
- In mice, three weekly doses lowered viral load, protected against coronaviruses and bacteria, and reduced allergy sensitivity for about three months.
PM2.5 Pollution Directly Raises Alzheimer Risk
- Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to higher Alzheimer's risk via direct effects on the brain.
- An Emory analysis of ~28 million Medicare beneficiaries found this connection independent of comorbid conditions like hypertension or stroke.